The government plans to bring 500 national-level athletes under a formal salary structure in an effort to improve the financial security of sportspersons, Sports State Minister Aminul Haque announced on Saturday.
Many sports federations in the country continue to struggle financially, a situation that often leaves national-level athletes facing economic hardship despite representing the country at the highest levels.
Aminul revealed the initiative while speaking as the chief guest at a programme marking International Women’s Day.
Speaking at the event, the state minister highlighted the government’s broader plans to strengthen athlete welfare, particularly in ensuring the safety of female athletes and improving the financial stability of national-level competitors.
As a former athlete himself, Aminul said he understands the challenges faced by sportspersons.
He noted that athletes often lack adequate financial support and facilities, and emphasised the need to address those issues to allow them to focus fully on their sporting careers.
The minister said the government aims to make sport a sustainable profession in Bangladesh through structural support for athletes.
“In the initial phase, there is a plan to bring 500 national-level athletes under the government salary structure,” Aminul said.
He added that the programme will not be limited to the country’s most popular sports.
According to the minister, athletes from a wide range of disciplines will be included in the salary system.
Alongside football and cricket, the initiative is expected to cover athletes from sports such as archery, shooting, volleyball, boxing, weightlifting and table tennis.
The move is aimed at providing financial stability to athletes across different sports while encouraging wider participation and professional development in Bangladesh’s sporting landscape.
